Man acquitted of s.18 GBH in alleged knife attack
OK was charged on a 3-count indictment, alleging GBH s.18 and s.20, and ABH in respect of two different complainants. The jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty on all counts in under 35 minutes.
It was alleged that OK had intentionally ambushed his partner at her home with the aim of catching her being unfaithful. When he did in fact find another man at the property, he had “seen red” and picked up multiple knives from a knife block in the kitchen and threatened both parties with them, slicing the male’s hand, causing serious injury. He was further alleged to have kicked and beaten his wife as the male fled the property. The complainants maintained that OK had been the aggressor at all times and that they had at no point used any force or threat of force aside from holding OK back.
OK’s case was one of self-defence and factual denial. He maintained that the male complainant had been as shocked to see him as he was and had picked something up to attack him. He had reached for the knife block out of instinct, and only to defend himself. Moreover, he had never actually taken any knife out of the block due to the ensuing struggle between the parties; he had not intentionally caused or witnessed the injury. He denied any assault to his wife.
OK spent 7 months on remand in custody. He retains his good character.
Violet was instructed by Sophia Corbin and assisted by Ricardo Maraj-Bennett of Andrew Storch Solicitors.
